If you were going to be spending money on supplements I would strongly suggest Omega-3 based (cod liver oil, etc.), the higher o-3 content the better, and much more effective than taking chondroitin sulfate, heparin, glucosamides or any of a long list of anti-arthritic aimed medicines currently on the market.
may work for you, but each have their own risks and benefits that need to be taken into consideration.
Those supplements are basically the building blocks of cartilage and other connective tissue. What taking them DOES do is ensures that you have enough to keep regeneration going - however the majority of the population's normal diet acquires sufficient amounts to have turnover carry on as normal. Some people do not - and may become arthritic as a result - hence some do see benefit from taking them.
Omega-3 supplementation is aimed for its anti-inflammatory effects, preventing exacerbation of the cartilage breakdown and majorly decreasing the pain associated with the joint. Then again, yes Doctor consultation is always optimal when there is pain or possible damage concerned.
Actually that's true. If someone has a kidney disease then consuming the amount of protein we do routinely could complicate the problem, overburdening the renal system and effectively prolonging the dosage of any other medications cleared by the kidney.
For many people those things are perfectly fine, but for specific cases you need to be careful. For example, heparin is an anti-coagulant (and a very good one) which has serious bleeding risks. If there was say, a boxer, mma fighter, or football player who had some joint pain, and reading that reply decided to use heparin, they could suffer a massive hematoma at their next match / game. That is an extreme example, but it highlights the importance of consulting doctors and pharmacists. For the average person, the increased bleeding risk wouldn't matter. It is never a bad idea to talk to doctors about any supplement or medication you are considering.
There are interactions and potentially unexpected side effects from all medications. The vast majority may not be relevant to the person using them, but they still exist. The 80 year old man on blood thinners to prevent a 4th heart attack doesn't care that his boxing career is over, but he has to be taught that he can't eat too much vitamin K, or the drug won't work properly.
